Patrick and Fiona are not married and have been living together for the past 15 years.

They jointly own their family home in Dublin. A number of years ago Patrick inherited a house from his mother. This is now let to a young family. Patrick is a store manager. His annual salary and rental profit amount to €85,000 a year. Fiona stays at home to look after their two children.

Patrick and Fiona are disappointed that for income tax purposes they are treated as single persons. Friends who are married and in similar circumstances appear to pay about €350 per month less in income tax. They would like the Minister to change this position and to treat cohabiting couples the same as married ones. They are also hoping that he will reduce the income tax rates, given that they have not been reduced in the past five years.

They have huge concerns in relation to the amount of Capital Acquisitions Tax that would be payable if Patrick were to die and pass his rental property to Fiona, and are hoping that the Minister will address this inequity in the budget.

Monthly Summary

Gross Salary €5,417
Taxable income €7,083
Income Tax €2,199
PRSI/Levy €272
Net Cash €4,612
Deductions (as % of gross salary) 45.62
Child benefit €278